The Keto Diet - Part 2!

Well, congratulations! You made it all the way through Part 1 of our keto diet journey! You've learned the purpose, definition, and even the science behind the diet. Now it's time to take your knowledge to the next level and get down to the delicious details of what foods you can actually eat on a keto diet, and the part they all play. In Part 2, we'll be diving into the culinary world of keto, with a breakdown of all the tasty options available and a sample meal plan with multiple delicious choices. So grab your fork and knife, and let's get ready to feast on some keto-friendly goodies!

I. Breakfast

Here's a breakdown of some delicious and keto-friendly breakfast options:

A. Eggs cooked in butter or coconut oil: Eggs are a staple in the ketogenic diet, as they're high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Cooking them in healthy fats like butter or coconut oil not only adds flavor, but also helps increase your fat intake for the day.

B. Avocado: Avocado is a fantastic breakfast option for anyone following a ketogenic diet. It's high in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Plus, it's super versatile - slice it up and add it to your eggs, or mash it up and make a creamy avocado toast.

C. Bacon or sausage: Bacon and sausage are both high in healthy animal fats and protein, making them great options for ketogenic breakfast. Just be sure to choose high-quality, sugar-free varieties to keep your carb intake in check.

D. Cheese: Cheese is another delicious and versatile option for keto breakfast. It's high in healthy fats, protein, and calcium, making it a great option for anyone following a low-carbohydrate diet. Try adding it to your eggs, or enjoy a slice on its own as a satisfying snack.

Overall, these breakfast options are perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet, as they're all high in healthy fats, low in carbohydrates, and provide ample protein to keep you full and satisfied all morning long.

II. Snack

A. Almonds or macadamia nuts: These nuts are like the superheroes of the snack world - packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, they are ready to save the day for anyone following a ketogenic diet. With just 2-3 grams of net carbs in a 1 oz serving, they are the low-carb sidekicks that won't let you down. And like any good superhero team, the combination of high protein and fiber will help regulate blood sugar levels and keep hunger at bay.

B. Olives: These little green guys are like the black belts of the snack world - low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, they pack a powerful punch. And with just 2 grams of net carbs in a 1 oz serving, they are the snack equivalent of a roundhouse kick. Plus, they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that make them a healthy choice for overall wellness.

C. Cucumber slices with cream cheese: This dynamic duo is the perfect snack for anyone looking to keep things light and fresh. Cucumbers, with just 2 grams of net carbs in a 1 cup serving, are like the waterboys of the snack world - hydration heroes. And when paired with cream cheese, they become a satisfying snack that provides healthy fats and protein, making them the power couple of the ketogenic snack world. The combination of cucumber and cream cheese will help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full, so you can stay on track with your ketogenic diet.

III. Lunch

A. Salad with greens, cheese, and a high-fat dressing: This salad is like a party in a bowl - greens, cheese, and high-fat dressing, all coming together for a delicious and healthy meal. On a ketogenic diet, the greens provide fiber and vitamins, while the cheese and high-fat dressing provide healthy fats to keep you satisfied. In this salad, the greens are the life of the party, the cheese is the cheesy grin, and the high-fat dressing is the twirl on the dance floor. It's the perfect combination of nutrition and flavor that will have you feeling like a million bucks.

B. Grilled or baked meat (chicken, beef, pork): Meat, oh glorious meat! This staple of the ketogenic diet is like the king of the jungle, providing plenty of protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied and on track. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or pork, grilled or baked, these meats are the powerhouse of the ketogenic diet, providing essential nutrients for overall health and wellness. Think of them as the lions, tigers, and bears of the snack world - strong, powerful, and oh so delicious.

C. Pickles, or sauerkraut: These crunchy, tangy treats are like the jesters of the snack world - bringing a little bit of humor and excitement to the party. Low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, these snacks are perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet.  Pickles are like the mischievous jesters, always up to some tasty mischief. And sauerkraut is like the wild card jester, adding a tangy twist to the party. Whether you prefer one over the other, these snacks are sure to bring a smile to your face and keep you on track with your ketogenic diet.

IV. Snack

A. Avocado with salt and lemon juice: This simple snack is like the laid-back surfer dude of the ketogenic snack world - it's easy, cool, and always there to bring a smile to your face. With healthy fats and fiber, avocados are a staple of the ketogenic diet, providing the perfect balance of nutrients to keep you satisfied. The addition of salt and lemon juice is like the wave of flavor that makes this snack even more enjoyable. So grab a fork, sit back, and enjoy the ride of healthy fats, fiber, and flavor.

B. Hard-boiled eggs: These little protein powerhouses are like the tough guys of the snack world - always ready to take on hunger and keep you satisfied. With healthy fats and protein, hard-boiled eggs are a staple of the ketogenic diet, providing essential nutrients to keep you on track. Whether you peel them, slice them, or enjoy them whole, these little guys are always there to provide a satisfying snack, so you can take on the world with energy and strength.

C. Cheddar cheese sticks: Cheese sticks are like the rebels of the snack world - they don't follow the rules, they just do their thing, and they do it well. With plenty of healthy fats and protein, cheese sticks are a great snack for anyone following a ketogenic diet. They're easy to grab on the go, and they're always there to provide satisfaction in snack form. So go ahead, break the rules and enjoy the delicious, satisfying, and healthy snack that is cheddar cheese sticks.

V. Dinner

A. Grilled or baked fatty fish (salmon, tuna): These sea creatures are like the superstar athletes of the ketogenic dinner world - always bringing their A-game with a winning combination of taste and nutrition. Grilled with a lemon and herb rub or baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping, fatty fish like salmon and tuna are a slam dunk for anyone following a ketogenic diet. These fish pack a powerful punch of healthy omega-3 fats and protein, making them a must-have for any ketogenic meal plan. So hit the high seas of flavor and nutrition with this delicious and healthy dinner option.

B. Broccoli or cauliflower cooked in butter: These green giants are like the supporting cast of the ketogenic dinner world - always there to bring a little extra flavor and excitement to the table. Roasted with garlic and parmesan or sautéed with bacon bits, broccoli and cauliflower are a delicious way to get in your daily dose of fiber and vitamins while staying on track with a ketogenic diet. So cheer on this healthy and delicious side dish - it's like having a secret weapon of flavor and nutrition at your dinner table.

C.  A chicken and veggies dinner is another perfect fit for the keto diet! 
Here’s a few ways to cook the chicken:

• Baked: Bake chicken in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
• Grilled: Marinate chicken for 30 minutes, then grill for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
• Pan-fried: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken breasts/legs/thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.  Always make sure all chicken parts are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit, or 80 degrees Celsius before eating!  If they do not reach this internal temperature, you could be risking serious food poisoning from salmonella bacteria in the food.

Sides for the chicken can include veggies such as zucchini, asparagus, green beans, bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms.  Feel free to cook them any way you’d like (ideally in olive oil or butter), or leave them raw to maximize your nutrient intake (cooking vegetables removes some of the nutrient content).

VI. Dessert

A. Berries with whipped cream: Berries are a great choice for a keto-friendly dessert option, offering a healthy and satisfying balance of sweetness and nutrition. Whether enjoyed on their own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, these fruits are a delicious way to get in a dose of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins while sticking to a ketogenic diet.

B. Dark chocolate with nuts: Dark chocolate is a great choice for a keto-friendly dessert, offering rich and indulgent flavor while also providing healthy fats and antioxidants. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with nuts, dark chocolate is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and stay on track with your ketogenic diet.

C. Keto-friendly ice cream or mousse: These frozen desserts are an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet, offering a delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat without sacrificing the high-fat, low-carb ratios of the diet. Whether enjoyed as classic ice cream or a creamy mousse, these options provide a satisfying way to end a meal while still sticking to your ketogenic goals.

BEST BERRIES

1. Raspberries: Raspberries are a rich source of antioxidants and fiber, making them a great choice for a keto-friendly dessert. They are low in carbohydrates, with about 1.5 grams of net carbs per 100 grams of raspberries. They are also a good source of Vitamin C and manganese. The high fiber content of raspberries helps to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
2. Blackberries: Blackberries are a great choice for a keto-friendly dessert, offering a rich source of antioxidants and fiber. They contain about 2.5 grams of net carbs per 100 grams of blackberries and are a good source of Vitamin C and K. The high fiber content of blackberries helps to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
3. Strawberries: Strawberries are a good choice for a keto-friendly dessert, offering a sweet and juicy flavor with a relatively low carbohydrate content. They contain about 3 grams of net carbs per 100 grams of strawberries and are a good source of Vitamin C. The fiber in strawberries also helps to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
4. Blueberries: Blueberries are a good choice for a keto-friendly dessert, offering a sweet and delicious flavor with a relatively low carbohydrate content. They contain about 4 grams of net carbs per 100 grams of blueberries and are a rich source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. The fiber in blueberries helps to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
5. Cranberries: Cranberries are a good choice for a keto-friendly dessert, offering a tart and tangy flavor with a relatively low carbohydrate content. They contain about 4 grams of net carbs per 100 grams of cranberries and are a rich source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. The fiber in cranberries helps to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.

The ketogenic diet offers numerous benefits beyond just weight loss. By embracing a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein approach, you not only get to enjoy delicious and satisfying meals, but you also get to experience the physical benefits of being in ketosis. From improved energy levels and mental clarity to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, the keto diet has a lot to offer. With a wide variety of healthy and tasty food options, including succulent meats, crispy vegetables, and creamy dairy products, sticking to this diet doesn't have to be a chore. So, if you're looking to improve your health, lose weight, and enjoy delicious food, the ketogenic diet might just be the answer you've been looking for.